FIBROADENOMA surgery

[khowell]

I'm 17 years old and I found a lump in my chest in June 2007.  At that time it was pea size and now (Jan 2008)  it has doubled in size. I did go to the doctor and the diagnosed it as a fibroadenoma and that it was no risk. It's very sensitive and uncomfortable so i was considering surgery. I just want to know the affects of surgery (cosmetically, how bad was the post op pain, and likelihood of it returning). I'm not very large chested and I'm worried about th removal and if it will leave me looking funny or things of the sort.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

A fibroadenoma is uaually managed conservatively or non surgically.

It tends to regress on its own after menopause.

But a fibroadenoma is large, causing pressure symptoms or pain you could discuss with your doctor about getting it removed.

Do talk to your breast specialist in detail about the procedure and the post surgical complications which could arise including scar tissue, fat necrosis etc.

Do let us know what you decide.

Hope this helps.

Good luck.

[VS38]

When I was your age, I was diagnosed with my first fibroadenoma.  It was about the size of a fist.  Very uncomfortable.  I never thought twice about having it removed although I understood there could be a subsequent malformation of my breast.  Fortunately, I was young enough that the breast tissue nicely filled in the subsequent gap.  The surgeon was actually shocked that I didn't have any deformity.  My humble advice is that if it is growing and concerning you that you should have it removed.  There could be subsequent scar tissue that gives your trouble later, but hopefully youth is on your side.  I'm sorry your going through this.  I know it's scary.  And, unfortunately, you face having future adenomas appear if you're like me.  Also, the post op pain wasn't nice.  I had one removed when I was 18 and one when I was 20.  I am now 38.  I have multiple fibroademonas, but have declined biopsies.  I will actually be having my first breast MRI in the near future.  I want further confirmation of my status before going to the biopsy route again.  Wishing you the best.